Only 1 out of the 41 Labour councillors in Tower Hamlets stand with locals, have stayed true to the Labour constitution, see structural discrimination as a problem and actually value EQIAs and respect the Equalities Act 2010 & the Macpherson principle.
The statement has been careful to limit the criticism but let's be clear:
There's a history of tropes & racism within @UKLabour.. a history of tokenising communities for the benefit of local Labour parties & minimalising / trivialising their lived xperiences to shut dwn criticism
Take the recent @TowerHamletsNow council meeting where @TH_Labour cllrs voted against the Macpherson principle to whitewash a complaint of discrimination made by 2,000+ locals.
Take @UKLabour taking no disciplinary action against Jon Burke, allowing him to move on & abuse again.
forms.gle/EevDRhbVdpv1te…
Whitechapel ward is the first to send out an official open letter regarding what unfolded at the last council meeting in LBTH.
Planters have been placed around #bricklane as #modalfilters. @TowerHamletsNow claims that local shops asked for it. But having asked around- the response is the same: "we didn't ask for it. First we heard about it was a leaflet last week, informing of this plan". #StreetspaceLDN
This no consult plan is to last till November to allow for "social distancing" and al fresco dining... UNTIL NOVEMBER?!
Residential side streets have become drop off and U-turn points.
Traffic will have make its way around already congested Commercial St. & Whitechapel High St.
There is also the option to make it Permanent after the 10 week period.
Businesses and locals are directing their anger at contractors installing the planters, when those who should be on the receiving end of that anger are no where to be seen.